How to Measure the Specific Heat Capacity in a Classroom

If you want to measure the specific heat capacity of a substance for a school experiment, follow these simple steps:

Materials You Will Need

• A calorimeter (a container for measuring heat)
• A thermometer
• A heating device (like an immersion heater)
• A stopwatch
• A scale to measure mass
• Water or another substance that you know the mass of

Steps to Follow

1. Set Up Your Equipment:

   • First, pour about 200 grams of water into the calorimeter.
   • Next, write down the starting temperature of the water.

2. Heat the Water:

   • Place the heating device in the water.
   • Turn on the heater and let the water heat up for about 5 minutes.

3. Measure the Final Temperature:

   • After 5 minutes, check the thermometer again and write down the final temperature of the water.

Analyzing Your Data

• Find the Change in Temperature:

  • Use this simple formula:
    [ \Delta T = T_f - T_i ]
    (where $T_f$ is the final temperature and $T_i$ is the initial temperature).

• Calculate the Energy Used:

  • To find out how much energy the heater used, use this formula:
    [ Q = P \times t ]
    (where $Q$ is energy in Joules, $P$ is the heater’s power in Watts, and $t$ is the time in seconds).

• Find the Specific Heat Capacity:

  • You can calculate the specific heat capacity using this formula:
    [ c = \frac{Q}{m \times \Delta T} ]
    (where $m$ is the mass of the water).

Things to Keep in Mind

• Make sure to insulate the calorimeter to reduce heat loss.
• It’s a good idea to do the experiment multiple times. This way, you can average your results, making them more accurate.

By following these steps, you’ll be able to collect your data in a clear way and practice your science skills!